A warning letter has been issued by ISED (formerly Industry Canada) regarding the illegal use of “illicit radios”. A copy of the attached letter (with recipient info and letterhead removed) was provided to the club to post on the website as a topic of general interest). Specifically mentioned were Baofeng UV-5R and TYT-8900 radios.
ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) previously issued a warning to the 4×4 Association of BC club members who recently did a “group buy” of TYT-8900 radios. The last letter, also posted here on MRARC.net concerned complaints of illegal use of radios that operate out of amateur bands.
It is perhaps coincidental that this letter specifically mentions the TYT-8900 radio used by many 4×4 users, though recent posts in the 4×4 Association of BC’s Facebook pages provide clear indication that some of their users are intent on disobeying the regulations, despite a previous warning.
To whom it concerns:
Requirements for Amateur and Commercial land-mobile radio operation
Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has received, and is
investigating interference complaints from the amateur radio community in BC. This
relates to non-amateurs using Amateur VHF frequencies, causing interference.
During the course of our investigation, we identified certain individuals and groups who
may be operating radios without being a holder of a Certificate of Proficiency in Amateur
Radio, or operating commercial radios without a valid radio license. These actions
include, but are not limited to reports of:
Operating amateur radios that have no certification under RSS-119 in the Land
Mobile Service (commercial band);
Programing and operating radios in the Land Mobile Service (commercial bands)
without valid authorization (license)
Possession and operating Amateur Radio equipment in Amateur bands without
being holder of Certificate of Proficiency in Amateur Radio
Uncertified radios, such as the TYT-8900 and Baofeng UV-5R, are not approved for use
in the Land Mobile Service. Their use is limited to use on amateur frequencies by a
holder of a Certificate of Proficiency in Amateur Radio. These radios must be
programmed and used in a way to not cause interference to radio users on other bands.
By way of this information letter, it is our intention to advise and inform the radio user
communities of these issues. Therefore, as an administrator of the BC Ham Radio
Facebook group, you are requested to inform members of your group of the following
requirements and prohibitions under the Radiocommunication Act and Regulations:
Operation on (commercial) land mobile frequencies must be in accordance with,
and under the authority of a valid radio authorization (license) issued by ISED
Radio apparatus used on (commercial) land mobile frequencies must be certified
in accordance with RSS-119.
Distribution, lease, or sale of uncertified radio apparatus, capable of operating on
amateur or land mobile frequencies, to unauthorized users is prohibited
Any person who possesses and/or operates amateur radio apparatus must be a
holder of a Certificate of Proficiency in Radio; or be operating within physical
control of another qualified amateur who is certified.
Use of land mobile (commercial) frequencies on amateur band radios is
prohibited
Use of amateur band radios in support of industrial, business or professional
activities is prohibited
Even in an emergency, Amateur Radio Operators are only authorized to
communicate with other stations in the Amateur Service.
ISED may pursue enforcement action for individuals who remain not-compliant with the
above requirements. This action may include BC Federal Contraventions Tickets or
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS).
In the interest of reducing interference and stopping the use of unauthorized radios,
please pass this information along to other radio users in your group.
For any questions regarding the requirements for operation of radio equipment, please
contact the ISED Lower Mainland office at 604-930-8691 or by email at
ic.spectrumsurrey-surreyspectre.ic@canada.ca . Thank you.
ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) previously issued a warning to the 4×4 Association of BC club members who recently did a “group buy” of TYT-8900 radios. The last letter, also posted here on MRARC.net concerned complaints of illegal use of radios that operate out of amateur bands.